Today we celebrate our Windrush Generation pioneers.
Those amazing trailblazers that were invited to rebuild post-war Britain and through adversity and oppression built a legacy of excellence and culture that has shaped the fabric of our society. Mike and Dolly Amos were part of that generation. The Amos Bursary was born out of their belief in young people and the power of education to transform lives.
They understood the pernicious and sustained negative impact of discrimination and prejudice on young people and they fought it through instilling pride in and understanding of black history and culture and the desire to be the best.
They were strong, determined and unflinching in their pursuit of excellence. They believed in family and community and were generous and welcoming. The Amos Bursary is built on their values. We are successful because as students we acknowledge the challenges we face and are determined to overcome them. We are prepared to work hard and to give and receive support. We are a huge extended family.
Because they did what they did, we can do what we do.
Mike and Dolly Amos’ Legacy
Find out more about the Legacy of Mike and Dolly Amos by reading our latest Impact Report
The winners of the Coronation Generation Poster Design Challenge have been announced
Educational charity, Ideas Foundation invited schools, colleges and educators from across the UK to take part in a challenge to encourage young people to get involved in the Coronation of King Charles III by harnessing their creativity.
Throughout April, Ideas Foundation delivered in-person workshops with schools and colleges from across the UK, including Manchester, Scarborough, Belfast, Greenock, Newport and London.
This allowed students to work alongside professional photographers and creatives including Canon Ambassador, Photographer and filmmaker – Clive Booth, Creative and Design lead, Hannah Wood from Wood & Co, Ayo Olubode, Poet and Amos Bursary Alumnus, Jags Singh, Cannon Ambassador, Nigel Stafford from Clear Channel and Robin Wight, founder of Ideas Foundation to develop and hone their skills and build confidence. The judges’ favourite design was created at a workshop hosted by Advertising Agency McCann London.
The Amos Bursary students’ creative process at McCann London for the Coronation Generation Poster Design Challenge
The judge’s favourite design, ‘#KingdomUnited’, was created by students from The Amos Bursary
The design was chosen by the judges because of its ability to do so much by saying very little. Head judge Sir John Hegarty, co-founder of Bartle Bogle Hearty and The Garage Soho, commented, “I wish I had thought of it myself. It’s a brilliant image. It shows how one idea can unite all issues and I love the fact they’ve just inverted Kingdom and United.”
Judges selected a group of ‘winning’ posters, which will be displayed on digital billboards at sites across the UK including Ealing, Liverpool and Glasgow, donated by Clear Channel UK. Alongside Sir John Hegarty The posters were judged by a panel of leading figures from the UK creative and education sectors, which included Kulvinder Johal, regional mentor for London and the South East for the Primary Science Teaching Trust, Simeon Quarrie, pioneering storyteller and technologist and Ben Conway copywriter at McCann London and Ideas Foundation Alumni.
Talent of the future
Conway was inspired by the levels of creativity from all the young people taking part, “To see how the young people have engaged with the Coronation Generation project has been so enlightening, their perspectives as they come of age in the King’s reign, it’s a sign of the times that the United Kingdom is ushering in a new era of hope and vision that we haven’t seen before. These posters they’ve created will be a starting point of King Charles’s history as King, and I’m so happy we’ve been given the platform to validate and uplift the voices of the young people to be a part of that history.”
Heather MacRae, Chief Executive at Ideas Foundation, the award-winning educational charity which champions bringing creativity into the classroom, said “We have all been blown away by the standard of entries and the enthusiasm of schools, having received over 1,000 signups. For many, The King’s Coronation will be the first celebration of this type they will have ever seen. We wanted to ensure young people could share what the occasion means to them. The winning posters give a real insight into how the younger generations view the Monarchy and reveal the yet untapped talent of the future of the UK creative industries.”
Reactions to the win
Colleen Amos OBE, CEO of The Amos Bursary an educational charity that partner with schools to empower British young people of African and Caribbean heritage to excel in education, commented “The Coronation Generation Poster Design Challenge was an amazing opportunity for our students to explore their creativity alongside industry experts. Their design will be displayed to mark this historic event making the whole experience more memorable for all of us. The Coronation values of community, diversity, sustainability, and youth are integral to all that The Amos Bursary does.”
Students involved in the winning poster said:
“I am grateful to have been part of commemorating such an important event in history” – Divine
“I feel honoured to have won as this is such a prestigious event.” – Rebecca
I think it’s nice to have been selected; the feeling that I’ve gone above and beyond in the creative field is something that I’m unlikely to forget.” – Vanessa
“This was a great learning experience for me and fun to do. It’s exciting that our design was chosen by the judges as the winner.” – Erykah
Creativity Wins
Although there can only be one overall ‘judges’ favourite’ design, the real winner is the opportunity itself. Highlighting the importance of creativity and its positive impact on everyone who rolls up their sleeves, embraces the unknown and “gives it a go”.
For more about the Coronation Generation Poster Design Challenge and to see all of the “winning” designs visit Ideas Foundation.
Involved in concept and delivery: Divine Agumba Rebecca Gouro Vanessa Okeke Erykah Worburton Jags Singh – Cannon Ambassador and Photography Tutor for Ideas Foundation
As we approach the end of the year we have much to remember with pride.
We expanded to support even more students as part of our ‘Triple Track’ development programme. Working with our mentors, sponsors and partners we have been able to offer students more opportunities from an even broader range of sectors to support their cultural and creative knowledge alongside their professional development. They have learnt from leaders in the Arts and culture, NGO’s and non-profits as well as entrepreneurs from a variety of industries.
Students had access to office visits, internships and invitations to workplace events which took place throughout the Easter, summer and half-term holidays. We held our first Gala Dinner for three years; resumed the New York Experience; sent students to the internationally acclaimed Collision and Web Summits; and in October launched our first satellite programme based in the West Midlands. All of this is only possible with the continued support of our sponsors, volunteers and Alumni.
A special thank you to my team who are THE DREAM TEAM.
As we move into 2023, Amos Bursary students will continue to SHINE and make the most of every opportunity.
To everyone who is sharing our journey, thank you for your support.
The Amos Bursary launches AMOS Connect, a new professional communications platform providing a significant set of digital features and benefits for our students.
The AMOS Connect platform which was officially launched in July 2022, has been designed to provide every Amos Bursary scholar with a fully hosted website on the ‘.amosbursary.com’ domain. Scholars will have access to their own corner of the internet where they can sell creations, blog their thoughts, showcase a portfolio, share their unique digital CV, or express themselves creatively in some other way. Students have already been developing their sites which are showing great promise. From budding social enterprises like https://ifealabi.amosbursary.com/ to education support services https://nikeajijola.amosbursary.com/ , it is indeed growing into a space for promoting excellence.
This unique offering was made possible by the generosity of Peter Jean-Pean, founder of the IT and digital services platform, WizzyWyp Media. Peter sees this personal gift of his time and expertise as his contribution to changing the narrative for these talented students. “The Amos Bursary gives fantastic support and transforms the lives of young people from African and Caribbean backgrounds. I hope the digital platform that we have developed opens a new chapter for the charity, adding value for the Amos Bursary students and beyond.”
Dowshan Humzah, an Independent Board Director and Strategic Advisor initiated the website project. In his capacity as an advisor to The Amos Bursary, Dowshan remarked from the outset, “This benefit for the Amos Bursary’s students is unique versus any other programme targeting underestimated students or advancing ‘levelling up’ and social mobility in the UK. We have seen how digitisation has advanced during the pandemic and this donation from Peter takes advantage of that. It also serves the growing desire from students to have a digital presence promoting themselves, their interests, passions, business or recreational pursuits.”
The Amos Bursary Co-founder and CEO, Colleen Amos OBE noted, “Our students spend five years on one of our triple track programmes as Scholars, Associates or Progressives. We currently have over 350 students who have the opportunity to benefit from this offer which is value at approximately £1700 per student. We are extremely thankful to Mr Jean-Pean for his generous gift that provides such a relevant proposition for our students and excited to see the successful digital ventures they launch on the platform.”
Phase two of the project is currently in Beta testing and is set to deliver even more communication-enhancing features to The Amos Bursary community.
We are pleased to announce the launch of AMOS News Network in partnership with CNBC International.
This is a new, year-long development and educational programme, continuing the long-term collaboration between our two organisations. The programme will offer Amos students the opportunity to get an inside look at how the news is made and gain first-hand knowledge of journalism and financial news from experts in the field at CNBC International.
CNBC is the leading global network of live business and financial news, information, and analysis, reporting directly from the major financial markets around the globe. In addition to the global TV network, its award-winning content is available on a host of digital platforms and services, including CNBC.com, CNBC PRO and across social channels.
The focus of the programme is aimed at providing students with a range of media-based skills including editorial, production, copywriting, editing, social media and marketing. Additionally, CNBC employees will provide mentorship and guidance tailored to the students’ needs and interests.
Six students with a special interest in media have been selected from across The Bursary. Moyin Babalola, Becklyna Gyampoh, Maame Oppong-Agyare, Eden Ehioghae, Kwaku Boateng and Kwabena Osei will create content in a format of their choice, with the support of AMOS Alumni Max Auer, Xavier Hamilton and a team of CNBC employees and resources. The content will be shared through our social pages and the students will be able to use this content to build their editorial portfolios.
John Casey, President and Managing Director of CNBC International, said: ‘I have been involved with The Amos Bursary for a number of years and having mentored some of the talented pupils of the Bursary, it became clear that a career in media was not something that many aspired to. The team and I at CNBC wanted to create an aspirational programme where students can learn about news reporting and publishing, and the different career tracks available within the media sector.’
Colleen Amos, Co-founder and CEO of The Amos Bursary, added: “Having the AMOS News Network in partnership with CNBC offers our young people an opportunity that will transform their lives. In such a competitive field, the chance to work and learn from professionals in close proximity is priceless.”
The programme will run until the spring of 2023 and culminate with a closing event.
Today marks the second anniversary of the passing of George Floyd and we take a moment to reflect on his untimely murder in a police attack.
In case there is anyone who does not know, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was apprehended for an alleged offence in Minneapolis, USA. Following his apprehension, four police officers took a series of actions that not only violated his rights but lead to his neck being pinned against the ground, whilst he pleaded for his life, for eight minutes and forty-six seconds until he eventually passed away.
It took little under nine minutes for a police officer, Derick Chauvin to take his life. Nine minutes that should have been used to make the rational and moral decision to drive Mr Floyd to the police station for further questioning, yet instead they were spent murdering and allowing his murder, despite bystanders crying and screaming for them to stop.
There is no denying that the treatment Mr Floyd received was unjust; regardless of whatever crime he may have been accused of committing there is no excuse to murder anyone, let alone due to racial stereotypes associated with the colour of their skin.
While this day signposts an untimely and melancholic event, it also reinforces the mission of charities such as The Amos Bursary. Our mission seeks to help change the negative narrative associated with being young and Black. To help others see that we are so much more than a code like ‘IC3’ or a statistic in the number of people not going into higher education. That we can make our dreams a reality and not feel like we have to be held down by the clichés associated with being black.
The AMOS Bursary community that has been formed over the past 13 years facilitates and champions the success of ambitious Black British men and women from underprivileged backgrounds. It offers us empowerment and the ability to develop confidence in ourselves and our skill sets through workshops, networking events and so much more. Being part of The Bursary and its excellence program has made us increasingly confident in our abilities by the minute.
It has often been said that Mahatma Gandhi famously said “Be the change you want to see in the world”. In fact what he said was “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. … We need not wait to see what others do.” As AMOS Bursary scholars we can say with confidence, that the skills and mindset that are being developed in us are helping us to become pioneers of change within our community. We’re not waiting to see what others do. We’re moving and we’re shaping futures that transform stereotypes about young black people and that allow students and professionals of African and Caribbean heritage to have the same opportunities as their white counterparts.
Article by Oluwabukunmi Oloyede and Daniel Bateren
Discover how The AMOS Bursary students and alumni have been inspired to change the narrative.
Today, 22nd April 2022, is the fifth Stephen Lawrence Day, since its introduction following the tireless advocacy of his parents, Neville Lawrence and Baroness Doreen Lawrence.
As a young person who was recently introduced to the details of the murder of Stephen Lawrence, it saddens me that when I Google searched his name the first few articles that popped up reduced him to a mere statistic – a black teenager who was murdered in a racist attack. It is obvious that he was so much more than that.
I think a lot of the time when recounting those who lost their lives in terrible circumstances, we tend to gloss over who they were as people and the lives they lived. After a while, we stop seeing those involved as individual innocents and merely another example of the extent of the institutionalised racism in the country. It pains me to see people be reduced to being another case to add to the long list of names of those killed in racial atrocities.
Stephen Lawrence was an 18-year-old boy who lived in Eltham in South London. He had dreams and aspirations of becoming an architect. These were stopped in their tracks. This Stephen Lawrence Day, I want to recall who Stephen Lawrence was, as a son, a brother, a cousin, a friend and most importantly a fellow man. I want to think about how, if he was not murdered, he would have achieved his dreams of being an architect.
Let us celebrate the life he did live, and the many accomplishments that his mother, Baroness Lawrence, has completed since that fateful day. Like how she successfully campaigned for police reform and the elimination of double jeopardy (the principle that stopped suspects from being tried twice for the same crime). After founding the Stephen Lawrence Trust and opening the £10 million Stephen Lawrence Centre, in 2018 she achieved the ultimate goal of convincing the Prime Minister to introduce a day every year to commemorate the life of her son. The strength of Baroness Doreen Lawrence is extremely admirable and makes you ponder how much Stephen would have also achieved if he was alive today.
Instead of this day being full of sorrow, I would like to instead celebrate Stephen Lawrence’s life and look forward to the impact his family’s legacy will have on future generations, on my generation and on me.
We’re always eager to share the knowledge so this World Book Day some of our alumni gave us an insight into their top reads.
The answers were nothing less than insightful so get ready for a bookshelf restock after you check these out.
What book has had the biggest impact on your life to date and why?
“Since 2019, I’ve re-read this book over 4 times, bought it for my entire team and lived by all the teachings. It helped me pin down my purpose and taught me how to prioritise and win in all areas of my life (spiritually, physically, emotionally, professionally and financially). It came at a time when I would always get burned out. Thankfully since reading and taking the actions, that hasn’t happened again.”
“This showed me how ADHD can be a superpower!”
“This opened my mind to the wide range of aspects within the world of investing. It provides many great ideas on how to successfully invest in the stock market. There’s something in here for both new and experienced investors.”
“This book reinforced my understanding of how to embrace my versatility.”
“Reading this made me understand how detrimental limiting beliefs are to your capability of reaching your potential and taught me one of the mindsets universal to high achievers.”
“It’s more a business leadership book, however, in the abstract, the principles are applicable in leading one’s self to greatness. After reading it, I could instantly see the principle play out in real life.”
2. What is your number one must-read recommendation for all AB Students (other than Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, which we all know is an AMOS Bursary staple!)?
3. What was the last book you read?
“We couldn’t have a book recommendation list without mentioning this staple of The AMOS Bursary”
So like we said, time for a bookshelf re-stock! If you do pick up any of the recommendations above share your own review with us in the comments. Happy Reading!
There is no-one more noteworthy in this year’s list, who has transformed the lives of hundreds of young men of British African Caribbean heritage who have the academic ability to attend university but are held back by other factors, than Colleen Amos.
Awarded an OBE, Colleen is a member of the Windrush generation who turned her passion for education and tackling underachievement by founding the Amos Bursary. Through her expert skills of bringing together elite universities and our leading international firms, providing internships and personal development programmes, she has transformed the live of countless young men to secure professional careers and by developing them into our country’s future leaders.
